The newly added areas to the constituency are Bellampalli, Kukkehalli, Perdur, Bairampalli, 41 Shiroor, Bellarpadi, Bommarabettu, Anjaru, Athradi, 80 Badagabettu, Hirebettu, Kudi (82), Pernankilla, Marne, Manipura, Alevooru, Koragrapadi and Udyavara. At the same time, the deleted areas are Sooda, Belmannu, Nandalike, Mundkur, Inna and Mulladka. The constituency consists of 1,37,269 voters and 147 booths.

Previously known as 145 constituency, Kaup is now known as 121 constituency. The constituency being a Congress domain until 2004, dramatically paved way for BJP rule shattering Congress confidence in the last elections.

This time, the Congress has fielded its veteran candidate Vasant Salian against BJP’s Lalaji R Mendon. At the outer most stratum, although it seems to be the straight fight between the BJP and Congress, a peek at the ongoing political confrontations on the soil obviously indicate that the constituency is not flanked by any direct fight, rather the race has been strengthened by the entry of JD(S) and Independent candidates. While the JD(S) has pitched Leeladhar Shetty into the fray, Mr Nagesh Rao, an Independent candidate from Nagarjuna Virodhi Horata Samithi is backed by Pramod Mikhail’s Rashtriya Hindu Sena would certainly confer a rigid fight for these two aspirants playing a crucial role.

The constituency is subjugated by Billava community followed by Bunts and Mogaveeras.

Going through the political era of the land which presented the first candidate from Praja Socialist party (PSP) to the Assembly Baskar Shetty in 1967 who defeated Ratna Verma Hegde, he later joined Congress in 1971.
From 1971 to 1983, it was Mr Shetty who clinched victory with the Congress label. In 1983, State witnessed a political turmoil within the Congress party for which Kaup also had its role. Devraj Urs who was resented by the Late PM Indira Gandhi came out to form his own party named Congress(U).  Baskar Shetty a close associate of Deveraj Urs joined the Congress(U).

The Congress fielded its youth Congress leader Vasanth Salian against Mr Bhaskar Shetty during 1983 polls. From 1983 till 2004 Assembly elections, it was no looking back for Mr Salian who firmly rooted the Congress flag in the constituency. Internal conflicts in the party are blamed for the Congress debacle in 2004 and Congress rebel Gladys Almeida worked against Mr Salian.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Congress candidate Vasanth Salian said: “I am approaching the public with the concern of fulfilling all their ignored necessities by the immediate past MLA and public are also complaining regarding their grievances which indicates their unhappiness of the past rule and I am confident that the Congress will regain power in the constituency.”

He said he is cent per cent positive of gaining minorities votes when queried regarding splitting of minority votes who are said to be favoring the JD(S).

BJP candidate Lalaji R Mendon told Deccan Herald: “I seek blessings of the voters based on my developmental programmes like swajala yojane, educational institutions, and free medical facilities. I have facilitated nearly 300 patients through CM relief fund. Most essentially, public are made aware during my campaigning regarding BJP’s contributions for the poor during its 20 month tenure in the State.”

Reacting sharply to the question regarding the allegations made by the Nagarjuna Horata Samithi that he had shed only crocodile tears for the victims lacking the real concern, Mr Mendon said: “I don’t find any fear of loosing the votes of Yellur and Nandikur area and people over there know me better than any other.”

The constituency is likely to witness a major political drama despite the fact that votes are scattered within many candidates. The atmosphere seems to be favoring Congress as many factors are against the BJP.

According to sources, the danger still exists in the form of rebels within the party. Unlike other constituencies of the district, Kaup has an absolutely puzzled image concerning the post poll results.